Meat and Poultry Roasting Charts (2024)

Raw meat and poultry should always be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature. Always use a food thermometer to assure that meat and poultry have reached a safe minimum internal temperature. When roasting meat and poultry, set the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) or higher. Explore the charts below to learn how to get great results every time you cook.

Note: The information onthis page does not include foods containing ground meat and poultry, including meatloaf and sausage. Check thesafe minimum internal temperature chartfor safe cooking temperatures and rest times for all meat and poultry, seafood, and other cooked foods.

Meat Charts

Beef, Lamb, Pork and Veal Roasting Chart

Download Meat Roasting Chart as PDF

Minimum internal temperature = 145°F (63°C).

Allow to rest for at least 3 minutes.

TypeOven °F/°CTiming
Beef
Rib roast, bone-in
4 to 6 lbs.
325°F (163°C)23 to 25 min/lb.
Rib roast, boneless
4 to 6 lbs.
325°F (163°C)28 to 33 min/lb.
Round or rump roast
2 ½ to 4 lbs.
325°F (163°C)30 to 35 min/lb.
Tenderloin roast, whole
4 to 6 lbs.
425°F (218°C)45 to 60 minutes total
Lamb
Leg, bone-in
5 to 7 lbs.
7 to 9 lbs.
325°F (163°C)20 to 25 min/lb.
10 to 15 min/lb.
Leg, boneless, rolled
4 to 7 lbs.
325°F (163°C)25 to 30 min/lb.
Shoulder roast
3 to 4 lbs.
325°F (163°C)30 to 35 min/lb.
Fresh Pork
Loin roast, bone-in or boneless
2 to 5 lbs.
350°F (177°C)20 min/lb.
Crown roast
10 lbs.
350°F (177°C)12 min/lb.
Tenderloin
½ to 1 ½ lbs.
425°F (218°C) - 450°F (232°C)20 to 27 minutes total
Boston butt
3 to 6 lbs.
350°F (177°C)45 min./lb.
Ribs
2 to 4 lbs.
350°F (177°C)1 ½ to 2 hours (or until fork tender)
Veal
Rib roast
4 to 5 lbs.
325°F (163°C)25 to 27 min/lb.
Loin
3 to 4 lbs.
325°F (163°C)34 to 36 min/lb.

Ham Cooking Chart

Download Ham Cooking Chart as PDF

Set oven temperature to 325°F (163°C)

TypeWeightTiming
Smoked Ham, cook before eating

Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes.

Whole, bone-in10 to 14 lbs.18 to 20 min/lb.
Half, bone-in5 to 7 lbs.22 to 25 min/lb.
Shank or butt portion, bone-in3 to 4 lbs.35 to 40 min/lb.
Arm picnic shoulder, boneless5 to 8 lbs.30 to 35 min/lb.
Shoulder roll (butt), boneless2 to 4 lbs.35 to 40 min/lb.
Smoked Ham, cooked

Reheat cooked hams packaged in USDA-inspected plants to a minimum internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and all others to 165°F (74°C).

Whole, bone in10 to 14 lbs.15 to 18 min/lb.
Half, bone in5 to 7 lbs.18 to 24 min/lb.
Arm picnic shoulder, boneless5 to 8 lbs.25 to 30 min/lb.
Canned ham, boneless3 to 10 lbs.15 to 20 min/lb.
Vacuum packed, boneless6 to 12 lbs.10 to 15 min/lb.
Spiral cut, whole or half7 to 9 lbs.10 to 18 min/lb.
Fresh ham, uncooked

Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes.

Whole leg, bone in12 to 16 lbs.22 to 26 min/lb.
Whole leg, boneless10 to 14 lbs.24 to 28 min/lb.
Half, bone in5 to 8 lbs.35 to 40 min/lb.
Country ham

Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes.

Whole or half
  1. Soak 4 to 12 hours in refrigerator.
  2. Cover with water, then boil 20 to 25 minutes per pound.
  3. Drain the ham and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes to brown.

Poultry Charts

Poultry Roasting Chart

The times shown below are for unstuffed poultry. Add 15 to 30 minutes for stuffed birds. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the center of the stuffing.

Download Poultry Roasting Chart as PDF

Minimum internal temperature = 165°F (74°C)

Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh, innermost part of the wing, and thickest part of the breast.

TypeOven °F/°CTiming
Chicken, whole
3 to 4 lbs
5 to 7 lbs.
350°F (177°C)1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours
2 to 2 ¼ hours
Chicken, breast halves, bone-in
6 to 8 oz.
350°F (177°C)30 to 40 minutes
Chicken, breast halves, boneless
4 oz.
350°F (177°C)20 to 30 minutes
Capon, whole
4 to 8 lbs.
350°F (177°C)2 to 3 hours
Cornish hen, whole
18 to 24 oz.
350°F (177°C)50 to 60 minutes
Duck, whole (do not stuff)
4 to 6 lbs.
350°F (177°C)30 to 35 min/lb
Duck, legs or thighs325°F (163°C)1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours
Young goose, whole
8 to 12 lbs.
325°F (163°C)2 ½ to 3 hours
Young goose, pieces or cut up325°F (163°C)2 hours

Turkey Roasting Time by Size

Download Turkey Roasting Chart as PDF

Set oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).

Minimum internal temperature = 165°F (74°C)

Turkey SizeUnstuffedStuffed
4 to 6 lbs. (breast)1 ½ to 2 ¼ hoursNot usually applicable
6 to 8 lbs. (breast)2 ¼ to 3 ¼ hours3 to 3 ½ hours
8 to 12 lbs.2 ¾ to 3 hours3 to 3 ½ hours
12 to 14 lbs.3 to 3 ¾ hours3 ½ to 4 hours
14 to 18 lbs.3 ¾ to 4 ¼ hours4 to 4 ¼ hours
18 to 20 lbs.4 ¼ to 4 ½ hours4 ¼ to 4 ¾ hours
20 to 24 lbs.4 ½ to 5 hours4 ¾ to 5 ¼ hours

Turkey Thawing Time

Download Turkey Thawing Chart as PDF

To thaw in a refrigerator, allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds.

For cold water thawing, allow about 30 minutes per pound. A turkey thawed in cold water should be cooked right after thawing.

Turkey SizeThaw in Refrigerator
(set to 40°F (4°C) or below)
Thaw in Cold Water
(change water every 30 minutes)
4 to 12 lbs.1 to 3 days2 to 6 hours
12 to 16 lbs.3 to 4 days6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 lbs.4 to 5 days8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 lbs.5 to 6 days10 to 12 hours
Meat and Poultry Roasting Charts (2024)

FAQs

What is the TIme chart for roasting chicken? ›

Roasting Chicken
TypeWeightApproximate Time at 350°F
Whole Chicken3 – 5 lb. broiler1 1/4 – 1 1/2 hrs.
Whole Chicken6 – 8 lb. roaster1 1/2 – 2 1/4 hrs.
Breast, Bone-In6 – 8 oz.30 – 40 min.
Breast, Boneless4 oz.20 – 30 min.
5 more rows

What are the guidelines for roasting meat? ›

You'll need a shallow roasting pan, roasting rack, meat thermometer and aluminum foil.
  1. Heat oven according to weight and diameter of roast. ...
  2. Season or rub roast with herbs and spices before cooking.
  3. Place roast in a shallow roasting pan, fat side up.

What is the 40 to 140 rule? ›

Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 ° and 140 °F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This range of temperatures is often called the "Danger Zone." That's why the Meat and Poultry Hotline advises consumers to never leave food out of refrigeration over 2 hours.

What is the proper cook temperature for roast and poultry? ›

Note: There are three important temperatures to remember when cooking meat or eggs at home: Eggs and all ground meats must be cooked to 160°F; poultry and fowl to 165°F; and fresh meat steaks, chops and roasts to 145°F. Use a thermometer to check temperatures.

Is it better to roast chicken at 350 or 400? ›

You can roast or bake anywhere between 325 and 450 degrees F. When roasting a whole chicken, a nice rule of them is to start at 400 to 425 degrees F and then turn the oven down to 350 after 15 minutes and cook until the internal temp of the chicken is 165 – 175 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.

How long does it take to roast a chicken at 350 degrees? ›

Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Place chicken in a roasting pan; season generously inside and out with onion powder, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Bake chicken uncovered in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Nov 28, 2023

What not to do when roasting? ›

5 Common Mistakes When Roasting Huge Cuts of Meat
  1. Not Seasoning the Night Before Roasting It. Not only do you need to season the meat aggressively, you need to do so the night before you plan on cooking it. ...
  2. Not Letting it Come to Room Temperature. ...
  3. Going Too Low and Slow. ...
  4. Carving it Right Away. ...
  5. Slicing the Wrong Way.
Dec 2, 2015

How long should meat be roasted? ›

To cook rare, allow 15-20 minutes per 500g of meat. To cook medium allow 20-25 minutes per 500g of meat. To cook well done allow 25-30 minutes per 500g of meat. Use a leave-in meat thermometer for the perfect roast – try this one.

What is the temperature chart for meat? ›

Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
ProductMinimum Internal Temperature & Rest Time
Beef, Pork, Veal & Lamb Steaks, chops, roasts145 °F (62.8 °C) and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes
Ground Meats160 °F (71.1 °C)
Ground Poultry165 °F
7 more rows
May 11, 2020

What is the 4 hour rule for meat? ›

Most meat and Chicken in particular, has some bacteria on the surface that, if not killed before they multiply to an unsafe level, can cause foodborne illness. The four hour rule is basically, get your meat heated above 140*F in 4 hours or less.

What is the Danger Zone for cold food? ›

The temperature danger zone is between 41°F and 135°F. TCS food must pass through the temperature danger zone as quickly as possible. Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Always use a thermometer to check internal food temperatures.

What is the 4 hour rule for BBQ? ›

40-140-4 Rule for Meat

If you are planning to smoke or grill meat, you should know about the 40-140-4 rule; The idea behind this rule is that meat should increase the temperature from 40°F to 140°F within 4 hours. It will reduce the bacteria growth to a great extent.

What temperature is best for roasting? ›

When roasting meat and poultry, set the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) or higher. Explore the charts below to learn how to get great results every time you cook. Note: The information on this page does not include foods containing ground meat and poultry, including meatloaf and sausage.

What is the minimum temperature for roast chicken? ›

All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (73.9 °C) as measured with a food thermometer. A whole chicken must reach this temperature throughout the bird.

How to calculate cooking time for chicken? ›

Remember to always weigh your chicken after preparation & before you place it in the oven especially if you have stuffed the bird. This will ensure the optimum cooking time. The above times are calculated by allowing 20 mins per 454g/1lb plus 20 mins extra. Ensure product is thoroughly cooked before serving.

How long to cook whole chicken per pound chart at 375 degrees? ›

How long to roast a chicken at 375°F:
  1. 2½- to 3-pound chicken: Roast 1 to 1¼ hours.
  2. 3½- to 4-pound chicken: Roast 1¼ to 1½ hours.
  3. 4½- to 5-pound chicken: Roast 1¾ to 2 hours.
Aug 9, 2023

How long to roast chicken based on weight? ›

Estimated Times for Roasting Whole Chickens

1 1/2 to 2 pounds—400 F (200 C/Gas 6)—45 minutes to 1 hour. 2 to 2 1/2 pounds—400 F (200 C/Gas 6)—1 to 1 1/4 hours. 2 1/2 to 3 pounds—375 F (190 C/Gas 5)—1 1/4 to ` 3/4 hours.

What is the best temperature to cook chicken and how long? ›

Otherwise, follow this general formula: Cook large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 20 to 30 minutes in a 375-degree-F oven. Cook large, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for 35 to 40 minutes in a 375-degree-F oven.

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